JP2014508611A - Wireless communication in medical devices - Google Patents

Abstract

【Task】
In a medical device using a plurality of wireless links, it is possible to solve the problem of interference between wireless links and a shift in communication timing.
[Solution]
A medical device comprising first and second components connected via a first wireless link and a third component connected to the first component via a second wireless link. The device implements a communication scheme in which communication via the second wireless link is performed during a time period sandwiched between periods including communication via the first link.
[Selection] Figure 1A

Description

  The present invention relates generally to medical devices, and more particularly to wireless communications in medical devices.

  This application claims priority based on US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 045,320 filed Mar. 10, 2011. The contents of that US application are incorporated into this application by reference in this application.

  Medical devices have had a wide range of therapeutic effects on patients (commonly referred to as recipients) over the last few decades. One medical device that has had a substantial effect on recipients is the hearing prostheses. Hearing prostheses process ambient sounds to assist or impart hearing ability to patients with hearing impairment. Hearing prostheses include, for example, hearing aids, cochlear implants, middle ear stimulators, bone conduction devices, brainstem implants, electroacoustic devices, and other devices that provide acoustic, mechanical, and / or electrical stimulation. .

  One specific hearing prosthesis is a binaural device or binaural system composed of two hearing prostheses, one for each recipient's ear. In a binaural system, each of the prostheses provides a stimulus that increases the perceptibility of the recipient to the sound. The binaural system should also essentially allow the recipient to select and hear the sound received by any of the worn prostheses in order to obtain a better signal-to-noise ratio. To help reduce the head shadow effect. Furthermore, the interaural time delay between both ears and the level difference can provide a clue to specify the sound source position and can help to separate the desired sound from the background noise.

  The binaural system includes a plurality of wireless links for use for various purposes. For this reason, interference may occur between the radio links. In an embodiment of the present invention, a communication scheme such as time division communication or synchronous communication is executed so that one communication link can operate without receiving interference from other communication links.

  Also, in a typical binaural system, each prosthesis operates at least partially independent of the other prosthesis, and thus each prosthesis has its own dedicated clock generator or two. ing. As is well known, a clock generator generates a clock signal that is used for electrical circuits and other electrical components within the prosthesis. In particular, data processing operations and wireless communication operate under the restriction of clock signals. In an ideal situation, the binaural prosthesis clock (s) are synchronized with each other so that all operations in the two prostheses are performed substantially simultaneously. In practice, however, the clock of one system does not operate at the correct speed compared to the clock of a binaural system. That is, after a certain period of time, the clock will “drift apart” from other clocks. These timing differences and / or phase differences impair phase and time accuracy in the delivery of sound information, adversely affect the recipient's ability to spatially locate the source of the incoming sound, and generally both. The advantages of the ear system 100 can be compromised. The present invention allows the exchange of time information between binaural implants and addresses the timing issues described above.

  According to embodiments of the present invention, an implantable medical device is provided. The device comprises a first implantable component and a first external component connected to the first implantable component via a first wireless link. The first external component is adapted to communicate with a second external component via a second radio link, and the device is configured so that the first and second radio links are only during different sets of time periods. Execute a communication scheme that works.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, a medical device is provided. The device comprises first and second components connected via a first wireless link, and a third component connected to the first component via a second wireless link; The device executes a communication scheme in which communication via the second wireless link is performed during a time period sandwiched between periods including communication via the first link.

  Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a method of wireless communication in a medical device, the device comprising a first implantable component and first and second external components, wherein the first The external component is configured to communicate with the first portable component via a first wireless link and to communicate with the second external component via a second wireless communication link. And the method operates the first radio link during a first set of time periods and operates the second radio link during a second set of time periods; Alternating the first and second sets of time periods.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, a medical device is provided. The device includes first and second components connected via a first wireless link, a third component connected to the first component via a second wireless link, and the first component The first and second radio links so that the second radio link operates only during the first set of time periods and the second radio link operates only during the second set of time periods. Means for alternately performing the operations.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
1 is a schematic view of a binaural cochlear implant system in which embodiments of the present invention are advantageously implemented. FIG. 1B is a side view of a recipient including the binaural system shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B is a side view of components of the binaural system shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B is a functional block diagram of some components of the binaural system shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. FIG. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating timing differences that can occur in a binaural system. FIG. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the example of the control system mounted in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for determining whether a binaural implant is synchronized according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating a binaural system using wireless communication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of a specific medical device, namely a bilateral cochlear implant system. However, embodiments of the present invention can be used in any medical device or system comprising multiple wireless communication links. For example, embodiments of the present invention include other hearing prostheses (such as hearing aids, direct stimulation systems for the middle or inner ear, bone conduction devices, cochlear implants, brainstem and other nerve stimulators, or hybrid electroacoustic systems) Can also be used. Accordingly, the specific embodiments described below are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention.

  1A and 1B are schematic views showing a recipient wearing a left cochlear prosthesis 102L and a right cochlear prosthesis 102R. The left cochlear prosthesis 102L and the right cochlear prosthesis 102R are collectively referred to as a binaural cochlear implant system 100. FIG. . FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the binaural system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown in FIG. 2, the prosthesis 102L includes an external component 252L including a sound processor 203L, and the sound processor 203L is electrically connected to the external coil 201L via a cable 202L. . The prosthesis 102L includes an implantable component 262L to be implanted in the recipient. The implant component 262L includes an internal coil 204L, a stimulator unit 205L, and an electrode array 206L that is implanted in the cochlea. In operation, the sound received by the prosthesis 102L is converted into a data signal encoded by the processor 203L and electromagnetically transmitted from the external coil 201L to the internal coil 204L via a magnetic inductive RE link. Is transmitted. This link is referred to herein as a close-coupled link (CCL). This link is also used to supply power from the external component 252L to the transplant component 262L.

  In the configuration of FIG. 2, the prosthesis 102R is essentially the same as the prosthesis 102L. In particular, the prosthesis 102R includes an external component 252R, and the external component 252R includes a sound processor 203R, a cable 202R, and an external coil 201R. The prosthesis 102R also includes an implant component 262R, which includes an internal coil 204R, a stimulator 205R, and an electrode array 206R.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram functionally illustrating some components of the binaural system 100 and the communication links provided in those components. As shown, the system 100 includes a sound processor 203. The sound processor 203L communicates with the transplant component 262L via the CCL 210L, and the sound processor 203R communicates with the transplant component 262R via the CCL 210R. CCL 210 is a magnetic induction (MI) link, but alternatively, CCL 210 may be any wireless link that is known or that will be developed in the future. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the CCL 210 generally operates at a frequency in the range of about 5-50 MHz (eg, transmits data with a purpose).

  As shown in FIG. 3 and described above, the sound processor 203 also communicates via another wireless communication link (WCL) 225. In the example shown in FIG. 3, WCL 225 is a magnetic induction (MI) link operating at about 2-15 MHz. In certain configurations of a binaural system, the MI link 225 may operate at about 5 MHz or about 13 MHz.

  As described above, the binaural system includes a plurality of wireless links for use for various purposes. Embodiments of the present invention are widely used to control radio links provided in binaural systems such as system 100 to eliminate or sufficiently reduce interference. In particular, the system 100 performs communication schemes such as time division communication and synchronous communication with the configuration of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 so that the WCL 225 can operate without receiving interference from other communication links such as the CCL 210. To do. In the scheme of an embodiment of the present invention, communication via one or both of the CCLs 210 is performed in a first set of time periods, and communication via the WCL 225 is performed in a second set of time periods. The first and second sets of time periods are interleaved during operation so that CCL communication and WCL communication are not performed simultaneously.

  In a typical binaural system, each prosthesis operates at least in part independently of the other prosthesis, and thus each prosthesis has its own dedicated clock generator or two. . As is well known, a clock generator generates a clock signal that is used for electrical circuits and other electrical components within the prosthesis. In particular, data processing operations and wireless communication operate under the restriction of clock signals. In an ideal situation, the binaural prosthesis clock (s) are synchronized with each other so that all operations in the two prostheses are performed substantially simultaneously. In practice, however, the clock of one system does not operate at the correct speed compared to the clock of a binaural system. That is, after a certain period of time, the clock will “drift apart” from other clocks. These timing differences and / or phase differences impair phase and time accuracy in the delivery of sound information, adversely affect the recipient's ability to spatially locate the source of the incoming sound, and generally both. The advantages of the ear system 100 can be compromised. Embodiments of the present invention have the advantage that time information can be exchanged between binaural implants and the above timing issues can be handled via WCL 225. However, the WCL 225 can also be used for other purposes, such as data exchange for improving position specification and beamforming, exchange of user settings and processing strategies, gain management, noise reduction, environmental classification, etc. It can also be used for the purpose.

  The independent operation between the prosthesis shown in FIG. 3 and the proximity to each other adversely affects the operation of the prosthesis and reduces the hearing improvement effect on the recipient. For example, due to the relatively high signal level required for power transmission, a CCL operating on one side of the recipient's head may produce artifacts in the telemetry signal from the other side. ) May occur. In this case, the magnetic induction receiver is saturated due to the high power level of the CCL 210, and data is lost. In addition, interference may occur between the CCL and the WCL. Such interference also occurs when both are not operating at the same frequency, and CCL operation may saturate the WCL receiver due to out-of-band interference. For example, if the CCL 210L operates on the left side of the recipient and telemetry data is transmitted from the implant 262R to the speech processor 203R (right side of the recipient), the power level of the CCL 210 interferes with the telemetry communication between 262R and 203R. Can do. This interference reduces the accuracy of data reception by the sound processor 203R and increases the signal-to-noise ratio. This interference can also affect the path of telemetry data. Further, the CCL 210L and the CCL 210R may generate interference with the WLC 225 when operated simultaneously. By providing the scheme of embodiments of the present invention, these interference problems can be addressed at least in part. This is because the WCL 225 does not operate simultaneously with the CCL 210.

  FIG. 4 shows six graphs illustrating various aspects of schemes according to embodiments of the present invention. For ease of understanding, FIG. 4 shows an example for the system 100 shown in FIG. 3, including a left and right proximate connection link (CCL) and a wireless communication link (WCL) between two prostheses. Has been. Graph 410 shows the relative timing between communication of data signal (s) 436 in the right CCL 210 and left CCL 210, and graph 430 is based on the data signal received via the CCL (s). The relative timings among the stimulation signals (plurality) 434L generated in this manner are shown.

  As shown in the graph 410L, the CCL 210L transmits the first data at time T1, and the first stimulation pulse generated based on the data starts at time T2. An arrow 413 indicates this. However, as shown in graph 410R, there is a time difference between data transmissions via CCL 210 (s). In particular, data transmission via CCL 210R does not start until time T3, and stimulation based on that data does not start until time T4, as shown by arrow 415. Therefore, there is a time difference 442 between the transmission of data via the link 210L at time T1 and the transmission of data via the link 210R at time T3, and the start of stimulation at times T2 and T4 A time difference 444 corresponding to

  In embodiments of the present invention, the timing of the stimulation pulse is based on the timing of data received via the CCL. Although FIG. 4 shows a direct relationship, other, more indirect relationships can also occur. Due to the dependence of the stimulus signal timing on the data signal timing, this difference in data timing affects how the recipient perceives sound. Therefore, if a delay is given in relation to the CCL 210L between data received via the CCL 210R, the recipient cannot properly perceive the desired sound.

  As described above, in the scheme of the embodiment of the present invention, the first set of time periods is used for CCL operation / communication, and the second set of time periods is used for WCL operation / communication. . The graph 450L shows the period (s) 460 assigned to the CCL 210L by the present system and the WCL time period 480L sandwiched between these periods. Similarly, the graph 450R shows the period (s) 470 assigned to the CCL 210R by this system and the time period 480R for WCL sandwiched between these periods. As will be described below, the system operates these links in such a way as to provide these two types of time periods.

  As illustrated, the period 470A overlaps with the WCL period 480L. Similarly, the period 460B overlaps with the WCL period 480R. Therefore, the period during which WCL transmission can be substantially performed becomes shorter as shown by the window 490. That is, graph 450 clearly indicates that the time period of WCL transmission is less than when the timing is adjusted to match because the timing of CCL transmission does not occur simultaneously.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication timing in a scheme according to an embodiment of the present invention that uses a first set of time periods for CCL transmission and a second set of time periods for WCL transmission. More specifically, the graph 552 illustrates an example in which two periods indicated by a CCL period 560 and a WCL period 562 are alternately arranged. As shown in graphs 550 and 554, CCL 210 (FIG. 3) operates in period 560 and WCL 225 (FIG. 3) operates in WCL period 562.

  FIG. 5 shows an example with two different time periods arranged alternately as a whole. One is a period for CCL transmission, and the other is a period for WCL transmission. The use of two time periods is merely exemplary, and additional time periods can be used as other embodiments of the invention. For example, the system may comprise an additional radio link and allocate a time period for the link to the additional radio link.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of prosthetic components that may implement the scheme of an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 includes a wireless controller 600. The wireless controller 600 includes a CCL controller 670 and a WCL controller 671. The CCL controller 670 controls a corresponding physical system (for example, a transmitter or a coil) by a signal 675, and the WCL controller 671 controls a corresponding physical system (for example, an antenna or a transceiver) by a signal 674. The controllers 670 and 671 can be realized by any combination of hardware and firmware. For ease of understanding, the wireless controller 600 will be described as being a component of the prosthesis 102L shown in FIGS. Therefore, in the example of this embodiment, the CCL controller 670 operates the CCL 210L, and the WCL controller 671 operates the WCL 225. The wireless controller 600 can be implemented in any medical device.

  In operation, each controller 670, 671 is given information regarding the status of other controllers by appropriate notifications and interrupt signals. In one example, when CCL 210L is capable of transmitting power / data, CCL controller 670 sends signal 677 to WCL controller 671 to indicate that CCL 210L is operational. The signal 677 can be, for example, individual data to cause the WCL controller 671 to stop and / or disable the WCL 225 or a continuous “busy” signal 677. When the time period for CCL transmission ends, the CCL controller 670 sends another signal 677 to the WCL controller 671 to indicate that CCL transmission is complete and that WCL transmission may begin. Alternatively, the continuous “busy” signal 677 may be removed and the WCL controller 671 may initiate communication via the WCL 225. The CCL controller 670 keeps track of when the time period for WCL transmission should end and sends another signal 677 to cause the WCL controller 671 to stop and / or disable the WCL 225. As another embodiment of the present invention, the WCL controller 671 may send another signal 678 to the CCL controller 670.

  The use of the CCL controller and WCL controller described with reference to FIG. 6 is merely exemplary and does not limit the embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments of the present invention, various combinations of hardware and software can be used to implement a scheme in which a given radio link (s) operates in different time periods.

  As described above, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in a binaural system, such as system 100, with two prostheses 102 disposed on opposite sides of the recipient's head. As described above, in some embodiments, each prosthesis 102 includes its own clock generator, and differences in timing and phase cause communication problems and perceptual problems. For example, in the scheme of an embodiment of the present invention, if the CCL transmission (s) do not start or end substantially simultaneously, the communication on one side of the head is a WCL transmission period on the other side of the head. Will start or end within, causing interference to the WCL. Accordingly, certain embodiments of the present invention improve the scheme by synchronizing or aligning wireless communications with the start or end. This synchronization adjustment can be performed by exchanging timing information between the sound processors (s) 203 of the system 100. One such approach is to use WCL 225 to exchange data between the left and right CCL controllers. When data is exchanged via the WCL, a trigger signal is transmitted to the CCL controller by the WCL controller.

  FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 700 for identifying whether two binaural prostheses, such as prosthesis 102, are synchronized according to an embodiment of the present invention. For ease of understanding, the method 700 will be described as relating to the system 100 shown in FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the prosthesis 102L functions as a master, and the implant 102R functions as a slave. Each sound processor 203 includes a CCL controller and a WCL controller. In block 720, the CCL controller included in the sound processor 203L (master sound processor) transmits a packet of data called a WCL packet to the sound processor 203R via the WCL link. This WCL packet is transmitted at a predetermined timing after the end of the CCL (RF) time period. When the CCL controller stops the CCL operation, the CCL time period ends.

  At block 721, the time period it takes for the sound processor 203R (contralateral processor) to receive the WCL packet is determined. In an embodiment, this time may be determined by a WCL controller included in the sound processor 203R, and the time is output to the sound processor 203L. In another embodiment, when the sound processor 203R receives a WCL packet, a signal is returned to the sound processor 203L to indicate that the signal has been received. In such an embodiment, the sound processor 203 uses the return signal to calculate the time.

  At block 722, a determination is made as to whether the time is different than expected. If the time is not different than expected or within an acceptable range, the prosthesis (s) 102 are substantially synchronized and the method 700 proceeds to block 724. The method waits at block 724 until the system again asks for a check for synchronous operation. If the synchronization check is again sought, the method returns to block 720.

  If the time difference is substantially different from expected at block 722, the system determines that the prosthesis (s) 102 are not synchronized. In this case, the method 700 proceeds to block 723 and processing is performed to substantially synchronize the CCL (s). Details of an example technique for synchronizing CCL (s) will be described later. When synchronization is complete, method 700 waits at block 725 until the system again asks for a check for synchronization activity. If the synchronization check is again sought, the method returns to block 720.

  As described above, when the prosthesis (s) 102 are not synchronized, other methods for synchronizing the implant (s) may be performed. Specifically, adjustment is performed on the start time of one or both of the CCL communication (s). For example, as one variation, the sound processor 203L sends a signal to the processor 203R to indicate that the next CCL communication with the implant 102R should occur at some time before or after the planned communication time. be able to. The delay time or preceding time is introduced so that the next communication at CCLs 210L and 210R is started at substantially the same time.

  Other methods for synchronous communication with CCL (s) 210 are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, as an alternative process, CCL (s) can be synchronized by detecting a common environmental signal by each sound processor 203. Specifically, each sound processor 203 can be configured to reset or adjust the CCL communication timing when a specific signal is received. Such a signal may be a common, known acoustic or control signal, or other signal such as a mobile phone beacon signal. As an alternative embodiment, synchronization may be achieved by the slave CCL controller detecting the envelope of the magnetic field generated by the master CCL controller. It is also possible that both sides operate to contribute to the adjustment / synchronization process. In other embodiments, these prostheses may be synchronized in response to user input. The user input can be a voice command, a command input via a remote control device or other device, or an operation for control in the system or an operation for control of the system.

  As described above, the stimulation timing depends on the reception timing of data via the CCL. Therefore, if the CCL (s) 210 are synchronized, the distribution of electrical stimulation on each side is also synchronized, and the timing information and phase information are kept good.

  As described above, FIG. 7 shows only an example of a method for determining whether or not the prosthesis (s) 102 are synchronized with each other. In other embodiments, the implant itself determines loss of synchronization, such as device malfunction. In such a configuration, the device can be configured to return to a standby mode in which no communication occurs until an appropriate signal is received from another implant.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example method 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention. At block 860, the prosthesis (s) 102 are synchronized using, for example, one of the techniques described above. When synchronization is complete, the CCL power and data packets are transmitted using CCL (s) 210 on both sides. As described with reference to FIG. 6, a signal is given to the WCL controller so that the WCL 225 does not operate during the operation of the CCL (s) 210.

  After the CCL packet is transmitted, a WCL packet is transmitted at block 862. At block 863, this interleaving operation in which the WCL operates in the gap between CCL bursts is continued. This interleaving operation continues until synchronization is lost or a recheck of synchronization is required at block 860.

  Here, the embodiment of the present invention has been described mainly with reference to a binaural cochlear implant that performs wireless communication using CCL (s) and WCL. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to devices with such links and can be used with any medical device with two or more wireless links. Moreover, the said link (plurality) shall connect between arbitrary types of devices or between the components of one device. For example, an implant may be connected between an implant and other devices that not only include a stimulation device but also include a power source, microphone, or other sensor. The wireless link can also be used to communicate with a device for controlling the hearing prosthesis, such as a remote control device or a clinician monitoring / control device. Furthermore, embodiments include the use of time subdivision within each individual radio link used by different channels or devices.

  Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention include other variations that utilize frequency channels. For example, CCL may use one frequency for a link in one direction and another frequency for a link in the reverse direction. A suitable frequency for WCL is, for example, 10.7 MHz, 433 MHz, or 2.4 GHz. WCL can use, for example, a pulsed signal waveform, frequency hopping, or other known communication coding techniques. The packet length can be a fixed length or can be dynamically changed as necessary.

  The scope of the invention described and claimed herein is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments disclosed herein. These embodiments are illustrative of various aspects of the invention and are not intended to be limiting. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. All documents, patent documents, journal articles, and other materials cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

  The present invention relates generally to medical devices, and more particularly to wireless communications in medical devices.

  This application claims priority based on US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 045,320 filed Mar. 10, 2011. The contents of that US application are incorporated into this application by reference in this application.

  Medical devices have had a wide range of therapeutic effects on patients (commonly referred to as recipients) over the last few decades. One medical device that has had a substantial effect on recipients is the hearing prostheses. Hearing prostheses process ambient sounds to assist or impart hearing ability to patients with hearing impairment. Hearing prostheses include, for example, hearing aids, cochlear implants, middle ear stimulators, bone conduction devices, brainstem implants, electroacoustic devices, and other devices that provide acoustic, mechanical, and / or electrical stimulation. .

  One specific hearing prosthesis is a binaural device or binaural system composed of two hearing prostheses, one for each recipient's ear. In a binaural system, each of the prostheses provides a stimulus that increases the perceptibility of the recipient to the sound. The binaural system should also essentially allow the recipient to select and hear the sound received by any of the worn prostheses in order to obtain a better signal-to-noise ratio. To help reduce the head shadow effect. Furthermore, the interaural time delay between both ears and the level difference can provide a clue to specify the sound source position and can help to separate the desired sound from the background noise.

  According to embodiments of the present invention, an implantable medical device is provided. The device comprises a first implantable component and a first external component connected to the first implantable component via a first wireless link. The first external component is adapted to communicate with a second external component via a second radio link, and the device is configured so that the first and second radio links are only during different sets of time periods. Execute a communication scheme that works.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, a medical device is provided. The device comprises first and second components connected via a first wireless link, and a third component connected to the first component via a second wireless link; The device executes a communication scheme in which communication via the second wireless link is performed during a time period sandwiched between periods including communication via the first link.

  Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a method of wireless communication in a medical device, the device comprising a first implantable component and first and second external components, wherein the first The external component is configured to communicate with the first portable component via a first wireless link and to communicate with the second external component via a second wireless communication link. And the method operates the first radio link during a first set of time periods and operates the second radio link during a second set of time periods; Alternating the first and second sets of time periods.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, a medical device is provided. The device includes first and second components connected via a first wireless link, a third component connected to the first component via a second wireless link, and the first component The first and second radio links so that the second radio link operates only during the first set of time periods and the second radio link operates only during the second set of time periods. Means for alternately performing the operations.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
1 is a schematic view of a binaural cochlear implant system in which embodiments of the present invention are advantageously implemented. FIG. 1B is a side view of a recipient including the binaural system shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B is a side view of components of the binaural system shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B is a functional block diagram of some components of the binaural system shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. FIG. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating timing differences that can occur in a binaural system. FIG. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the example of the control system mounted in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for determining whether a binaural implant is synchronized according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating a binaural system using wireless communication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of a specific medical device, namely a bilateral cochlear implant system. However, embodiments of the present invention can be used in any medical device or system comprising multiple wireless communication links. For example, embodiments of the present invention include other hearing prostheses (such as hearing aids, direct stimulation systems for the middle or inner ear, bone conduction devices, cochlear implants, brainstem and other nerve stimulators, or hybrid electroacoustic systems) Can also be used. Accordingly, the specific embodiments described below are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention.

  1A and 1B are schematic views showing a recipient wearing a left cochlear prosthesis 102L and a right cochlear prosthesis 102R. The left cochlear prosthesis 102L and the right cochlear prosthesis 102R are collectively referred to as a binaural cochlear implant system 100. FIG. . FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the binaural system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown in FIG. 2, the prosthesis 102L includes an external component 252L including a sound processor 203L, and the sound processor 203L is electrically connected to the external coil 201L via a cable 202L. . The prosthesis 102L includes an implantable component 262L to be implanted in the recipient. The implant component 262L includes an internal coil 204L, a stimulator unit 205L, and an electrode array 206L that is implanted in the cochlea. In operation, the sound received by the prosthesis 102L is converted into a data signal encoded by the processor 203L and electromagnetically transmitted from the external coil 201L to the internal coil 204L via a magnetic inductive RE link. Is transmitted. This link is referred to herein as a close-coupled link (CCL). This link is also used to supply power from the external component 252L to the transplant component 262L.

  In the configuration of FIG. 2, the prosthesis 102R is essentially the same as the prosthesis 102L. In particular, the prosthesis 102R includes an external component 252R, and the external component 252R includes a sound processor 203R, a cable 202R, and an external coil 201R. The prosthesis 102R also includes an implant component 262R, which includes an internal coil 204R, a stimulator 205R, and an electrode array 206R.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram functionally illustrating some components of the binaural system 100 and the communication links provided in those components. As shown, the system 100 includes a sound processor 203. The sound processor 203L communicates with the transplant component 262L via the CCL 210L, and the sound processor 203R communicates with the transplant component 262R via the CCL 210R. CCL 210 is a magnetic induction (MI) link, but alternatively, CCL 210 may be any wireless link that is known or that will be developed in the future. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the CCL 210 generally operates at a frequency in the range of about 5-50 MHz (eg, transmits data with a purpose).

  As shown in FIG. 3 and described above, the sound processor 203 also communicates via another wireless communication link (WCL) 225. In the example shown in FIG. 3, WCL 225 is a magnetic induction (MI) link operating at about 2-15 MHz. In certain configurations of a binaural system, the MI link 225 may operate at about 5 MHz or about 13 MHz.

  As described above, the binaural system includes a plurality of wireless links for use for various purposes. Embodiments of the present invention are widely used to control radio links provided in binaural systems such as system 100 to eliminate or sufficiently reduce interference. In particular, the system 100 performs communication schemes such as time division communication and synchronous communication with the configuration of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 so that the WCL 225 can operate without receiving interference from other communication links such as the CCL 210. To do. In the scheme of an embodiment of the present invention, communication via one or both of the CCLs 210 is performed in a first set of time periods, and communication via the WCL 225 is performed in a second set of time periods. The first and second sets of time periods are interleaved during operation so that CCL communication and WCL communication are not performed simultaneously.

  In a typical binaural system, each prosthesis operates at least in part independently of the other prosthesis, and thus each prosthesis has its own dedicated clock generator or two. . As is well known, a clock generator generates a clock signal that is used for electrical circuits and other electrical components within the prosthesis. In particular, data processing operations and wireless communication operate under the restriction of clock signals. In an ideal situation, the binaural prosthesis clock (s) are synchronized with each other so that all operations in the two prostheses are performed substantially simultaneously. In practice, however, the clock of one system does not operate at the correct speed compared to the clock of a binaural system. That is, after a certain period of time, the clock will “drift apart” from other clocks. These timing differences and / or phase differences impair phase and time accuracy in the delivery of sound information, adversely affect the recipient's ability to spatially locate the source of the incoming sound, and generally both. The advantages of the ear system 100 can be compromised. Embodiments of the present invention have the advantage that time information can be exchanged between binaural implants and the above timing issues can be handled via WCL 225. However, the WCL 225 can also be used for other purposes, such as data exchange for improving position specification and beamforming, exchange of user settings and processing strategies, gain management, noise reduction, environmental classification, etc. It can also be used for the purpose.

  The independent operation between the prosthesis shown in FIG. 3 and the proximity to each other adversely affects the operation of the prosthesis and reduces the hearing improvement effect on the recipient. For example, due to the relatively high signal level required for power transmission, a CCL operating on one side of the recipient's head may produce artifacts in the telemetry signal from the other side. ) May occur. In this case, the magnetic induction receiver is saturated due to the high power level of the CCL 210, and data is lost. In addition, interference may occur between the CCL and the WCL. Such interference also occurs when both are not operating at the same frequency, and CCL operation may saturate the WCL receiver due to out-of-band interference. For example, if the CCL 210L operates on the left side of the recipient and telemetry data is transmitted from the implant 262R to the speech processor 203R (right side of the recipient), the power level of the CCL 210 interferes with the telemetry communication between 262R and 203R. Can do. This interference reduces the accuracy of data reception by the sound processor 203R and increases the signal-to-noise ratio. This interference can also affect the path of telemetry data. Further, the CCL 210L and the CCL 210R may generate interference with the WLC 225 when operated simultaneously. By providing the scheme of embodiments of the present invention, these interference problems can be addressed at least in part. This is because the WCL 225 does not operate simultaneously with the CCL 210.

  FIG. 4 shows six graphs illustrating various aspects of schemes according to embodiments of the present invention. For ease of understanding, FIG. 4 shows an example for the system 100 shown in FIG. 3, including a left and right proximate connection link (CCL) and a wireless communication link (WCL) between two prostheses. Has been. Graph 410 shows the relative timing between communication of data signal (s) 436 in the right CCL 210 and left CCL 210, and graph 430 is based on the data signal received via the CCL (s). The relative timings among the stimulation signals (plurality) 434L generated in this manner are shown.

  As shown in the graph 410L, the CCL 210L transmits the first data at time T1, and the first stimulation pulse generated based on the data starts at time T2. An arrow 413 indicates this. However, as shown in graph 410R, there is a time difference between data transmissions via CCL 210 (s). In particular, data transmission via CCL 210R does not start until time T3, and stimulation based on that data does not start until time T4, as shown by arrow 415. Therefore, there is a time difference 442 between the transmission of data via the link 210L at time T1 and the transmission of data via the link 210R at time T3, and the start of stimulation at times T2 and T4 A time difference 444 corresponding to

  In embodiments of the present invention, the timing of the stimulation pulse is based on the timing of data received via the CCL. Although FIG. 4 shows a direct relationship, other, more indirect relationships can also occur. Due to the dependence of the stimulus signal timing on the data signal timing, this difference in data timing affects how the recipient perceives sound. Therefore, if a delay is given in relation to the CCL 210L between data received via the CCL 210R, the recipient cannot properly perceive the desired sound.

  As described above, in the scheme of the embodiment of the present invention, the first set of time periods is used for CCL operation / communication, and the second set of time periods is used for WCL operation / communication. . The graph 450L shows the period (s) 460 assigned to the CCL 210L by the present system and the WCL time period 480L sandwiched between these periods. Similarly, the graph 450R shows the period (s) 470 assigned to the CCL 210R by this system and the time period 480R for WCL sandwiched between these periods. As will be described below, the system operates these links in such a way as to provide these two types of time periods.

  As illustrated, the period 470A overlaps with the WCL period 480L. Similarly, the period 460B overlaps with the WCL period 480R. Therefore, the period during which WCL transmission can be substantially performed becomes shorter as shown by the window 490. That is, graph 450 clearly indicates that the time period of WCL transmission is less than when the timing is adjusted to match because the timing of CCL transmission does not occur simultaneously.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication timing in a scheme according to an embodiment of the present invention that uses a first set of time periods for CCL transmission and a second set of time periods for WCL transmission. More specifically, the graph 552 illustrates an example in which two periods indicated by a CCL period 560 and a WCL period 562 are alternately arranged. As shown in graphs 550 and 554, CCL 210 (FIG. 3) operates in period 560 and WCL 225 (FIG. 3) operates in WCL period 562.

  FIG. 5 shows an example with two different time periods arranged alternately as a whole. One is a period for CCL transmission, and the other is a period for WCL transmission. The use of two time periods is merely exemplary, and additional time periods can be used as other embodiments of the invention. For example, the system may comprise an additional radio link and allocate a time period for the link to the additional radio link.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of prosthetic components that may implement the scheme of an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 includes a wireless controller 600. The wireless controller 600 includes a CCL controller 670 and a WCL controller 671. The CCL controller 670 controls a corresponding physical system (for example, a transmitter or a coil) by a signal 675, and the WCL controller 671 controls a corresponding physical system (for example, an antenna or a transceiver) by a signal 674. The controllers 670 and 671 can be realized by any combination of hardware and firmware. For ease of understanding, the wireless controller 600 will be described as being a component of the prosthesis 102L shown in FIGS. Therefore, in the example of this embodiment, the CCL controller 670 operates the CCL 210L, and the WCL controller 671 operates the WCL 225. The wireless controller 600 can be implemented in any medical device.

  In operation, each controller 670, 671 is given information regarding the status of other controllers by appropriate notifications and interrupt signals. In one example, when CCL 210L is capable of transmitting power / data, CCL controller 670 sends signal 677 to WCL controller 671 to indicate that CCL 210L is operational. The signal 677 can be, for example, individual data to cause the WCL controller 671 to stop and / or disable the WCL 225 or a continuous “busy” signal 677. When the time period for CCL transmission ends, the CCL controller 670 sends another signal 677 to the WCL controller 671 to indicate that CCL transmission is complete and that WCL transmission may begin. Alternatively, the continuous “busy” signal 677 may be removed and the WCL controller 671 may initiate communication via the WCL 225. The CCL controller 670 keeps track of when the time period for WCL transmission should end and sends another signal 677 to cause the WCL controller 671 to stop and / or disable the WCL 225. As another embodiment of the present invention, the WCL controller 671 may send another signal 678 to the CCL controller 670.

  The use of the CCL controller and WCL controller described with reference to FIG. 6 is merely exemplary and does not limit the embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments of the present invention, various combinations of hardware and software can be used to implement a scheme in which a given radio link (s) operates in different time periods.

  As described above, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in a binaural system, such as system 100, with two prostheses 102 disposed on opposite sides of the recipient's head. As described above, in some embodiments, each prosthesis 102 includes its own clock generator, and differences in timing and phase cause communication problems and perceptual problems. For example, in the scheme of an embodiment of the present invention, if the CCL transmission (s) do not start or end substantially simultaneously, the communication on one side of the head is a WCL transmission period on the other side of the head. Will start or end within, causing interference to the WCL. Accordingly, certain embodiments of the present invention improve the scheme by synchronizing or aligning wireless communications with the start or end. This synchronization adjustment can be performed by exchanging timing information between the sound processors (s) 203 of the system 100. One such approach is to use WCL 225 to exchange data between the left and right CCL controllers. When data is exchanged via the WCL, a trigger signal is transmitted to the CCL controller by the WCL controller.

  FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 700 for identifying whether two binaural prostheses, such as prosthesis 102, are synchronized according to an embodiment of the present invention. For ease of understanding, the method 700 will be described as relating to the system 100 shown in FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the prosthesis 102L functions as a master, and the implant 102R functions as a slave. Each sound processor 203 includes a CCL controller and a WCL controller. In block 720, the CCL controller included in the sound processor 203L (master sound processor) transmits a packet of data called a WCL packet to the sound processor 203R via the WCL link. This WCL packet is transmitted at a predetermined timing after the end of the CCL (RF) time period. When the CCL controller stops the CCL operation, the CCL time period ends.

  At block 721, the time period it takes for the sound processor 203R (contralateral processor) to receive the WCL packet is determined. In an embodiment, this time may be determined by a WCL controller included in the sound processor 203R, and the time is output to the sound processor 203L. In another embodiment, when the sound processor 203R receives a WCL packet, a signal is returned to the sound processor 203L to indicate that the signal has been received. In such an embodiment, the sound processor 203 uses the return signal to calculate the time.

  At block 722, a determination is made as to whether the time is different than expected. If the time is not different than expected or within an acceptable range, the prosthesis (s) 102 are substantially synchronized and the method 700 proceeds to block 724. The method waits at block 724 until the system again asks for a check for synchronous operation. If the synchronization check is again sought, the method returns to block 720.

  If the time difference is substantially different from expected at block 722, the system determines that the prosthesis (s) 102 are not synchronized. In this case, the method 700 proceeds to block 723 and processing is performed to substantially synchronize the CCL (s). Details of an example technique for synchronizing CCL (s) will be described later. When synchronization is complete, method 700 waits at block 725 until the system again asks for a check for synchronization activity. If the synchronization check is again sought, the method returns to block 720.

  As described above, when the prosthesis (s) 102 are not synchronized, other methods for synchronizing the implant (s) may be performed. Specifically, adjustment is performed on the start time of one or both of the CCL communication (s). For example, as one variation, the sound processor 203L sends a signal to the processor 203R to indicate that the next CCL communication with the implant 102R should occur at some time before or after the planned communication time. be able to. The delay time or preceding time is introduced so that the next communication at CCLs 210L and 210R is started at substantially the same time.

  Other methods for synchronous communication with CCL (s) 210 are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, as an alternative process, CCL (s) can be synchronized by detecting a common environmental signal by each sound processor 203. Specifically, each sound processor 203 can be configured to reset or adjust the CCL communication timing when a specific signal is received. Such a signal may be a common, known acoustic or control signal, or other signal such as a mobile phone beacon signal. As an alternative embodiment, synchronization may be achieved by the slave CCL controller detecting the envelope of the magnetic field generated by the master CCL controller. It is also possible that both sides operate to contribute to the adjustment / synchronization process. In other embodiments, these prostheses may be synchronized in response to user input. The user input can be a voice command, a command input via a remote control device or other device, or an operation for control in the system or an operation for control of the system.

  As described above, the stimulation timing depends on the reception timing of data via the CCL. Therefore, if the CCL (s) 210 are synchronized, the distribution of electrical stimulation on each side is also synchronized, and the timing information and phase information are kept good.

  As described above, FIG. 7 shows only an example of a method for determining whether or not the prosthesis (s) 102 are synchronized with each other. In other embodiments, the implant itself determines loss of synchronization, such as device malfunction. In such a configuration, the device can be configured to return to a standby mode in which no communication occurs until an appropriate signal is received from another implant.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example method 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention. At block 860, the prosthesis (s) 102 are synchronized using, for example, one of the techniques described above. When synchronization is complete, the CCL power and data packets are transmitted using CCL (s) 210 on both sides. As described with reference to FIG. 6, a signal is given to the WCL controller so that the WCL 225 does not operate during the operation of the CCL (s) 210.

  After the CCL packet is transmitted, a WCL packet is transmitted at block 862. At block 863, this interleaving operation in which the WCL operates in the gap between CCL bursts is continued. This interleaving operation continues until synchronization is lost or a recheck of synchronization is required at block 860.

  Here, the embodiment of the present invention has been described mainly with reference to a binaural cochlear implant that performs wireless communication using CCL (s) and WCL. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to devices with such links and can be used with any medical device with two or more wireless links. Moreover, the said link (plurality) shall connect between arbitrary types of devices or between the components of one device. For example, an implant may be connected between an implant and other devices that not only include a stimulation device but also include a power source, microphone, or other sensor. The wireless link can also be used to communicate with a device for controlling the hearing prosthesis, such as a remote control device or a clinician monitoring / control device. Furthermore, embodiments include the use of time subdivision within each individual radio link used by different channels or devices.

  Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention include other variations that utilize frequency channels. For example, CCL may use one frequency for a link in one direction and another frequency for a link in the reverse direction. A suitable frequency for WCL is, for example, 10.7 MHz, 433 MHz, or 2.4 GHz. WCL can use, for example, a pulsed signal waveform, frequency hopping, or other known communication coding techniques. The packet length can be a fixed length or can be dynamically changed as necessary.

  The scope of the invention described and claimed herein is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments disclosed herein. These embodiments are illustrative of various aspects of the invention and are not intended to be limiting. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. All documents, patent documents, journal articles, and other materials cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims (30)

An implantable medical device,
A first portable component;
A first external component connected to the first implantable component via a first wireless link;
With
The first external component is adapted to communicate with a second external component via a second wireless link;
The device implements a communication scheme in which the first and second radio links operate only during different sets of time periods;
device. Further comprising a second implantable component;
The second external component is connected to the second implantable component via a third wireless link;
The device operates the first and third radio links in the scheme during the same time period;
The device of claim 1.   The hearing prosthesis system of claim 1, wherein the second external component comprises a remote control device.   The hearing prosthesis system of claim 1, wherein the first wireless link is operative to transmit at least one of power and data.   The hearing prosthesis system of claim 1, wherein the first wireless link comprises a magnetically coupled magnetic link.   The first radio link operates only in a first sequence of time periods, the second radio link operates only in a second sequence of time periods, and the scheme includes a first and a second sequence of time periods. The hearing prosthesis system according to claim 1, wherein two series are alternately arranged.   The first and second implantable components are configured to deliver stimuli generated based on data received via the first and third wireless links, respectively. The described hearing prosthesis system.   The hearing prosthesis system of claim 2, wherein the system is configured to synchronize the first and third wireless links such that the links initiate communication at substantially the same time.   The first external component functions as a master component, the second external component functions as a slave component, and the timing of communication in the third radio link matches the timing of communication in the first radio link. 9. The hearing prosthesis system of claim 8, wherein the hearing prosthesis system is adjustable.   The hearing prosthesis system of claim 8, wherein the system is configured to synchronize the first and third wireless links in response to a particular environmental signal.   The hearing prosthesis system of claim 10, wherein the environmental signal is a beacon of a mobile phone.   9. The hearing prosthesis system of claim 8, wherein the system is configured to synchronize the first and third wireless links in response to user input.   The hearing prosthesis system of claim 1, wherein the first wireless link operates at a first frequency and the second wireless link operates at a second frequency different from the first frequency. A medical device,
First and second components connected via a first wireless link;
A third component connected to the first component via a second wireless link,
The device implements a communication scheme in which communication via the second wireless link is performed during a time period sandwiched between periods including communication via the first link;
device.   The device of claim 14, wherein the first wireless link comprises a close coupled magnetic link.   The device of claim 2, wherein the first implantable component is configured to deliver a stimulus generated based on data received via the first wireless link.   The device of claim 14, further comprising a fourth component connected to the third component via a third wireless link.   The device of claim 17, wherein the device is configured to synchronize the first and third wireless links such that the links initiate communication at substantially the same time.   The first component functions as a master component, the third component functions as a slave component, and the timing of communication in the third radio link matches the timing of communication in the first radio link. The device of claim 18, wherein the device is adjustable.   The device of claim 18, wherein the device is configured to synchronize the first and third wireless links in response to a particular environmental signal.   The device of claim 14, wherein the third component comprises a remote control.   The device of claim 1, wherein the first wireless link is operative to transmit at least one of power and data. A method of wireless communication in a medical device, wherein the device comprises a first implantable component and first and second external components, the first external component comprising a first wireless link. Communicating with the first portable component via a second wireless communication link and communicating with the second external component via a second wireless communication link, the method comprising:
Operating said first radio link during a first set of time periods;
Operating the second radio link during a second set of time periods;
Alternating the first and second sets of time periods;
Having a method. The device comprises a second implantable component connected to the second external component via a third wireless link, the method further comprising:
Operating one or more of the first and third radio links during the first set of time periods;
15. The method of claim 14, comprising: Synchronizing the first and third radio links so that communication begins on these links substantially simultaneously;
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: To synchronize the first and third radio links,
Adjusting a start time of communication on the third radio link to substantially match a start time of communication on the first radio link;
26. The method of claim 25, wherein: A medical component device,
First and second components connected via a first wireless link;
A third component connected to the first component via a second wireless link;
The first and second so that the first radio link operates only during a first set of time periods and the second radio link operates only during a second set of time periods. Means for alternately performing the operation of the radio link,
A device comprising: A fourth component connected to the third component via a third wireless link;
Means for synchronizing the first and third radio links such that they initiate communication substantially simultaneously;
28. The device of claim 27, further comprising:   29. The device of claim 28, further comprising means for adjusting a communication timing on the third wireless link to be consistent with a communication timing on the first wireless link. The device is
Means for synchronizing the first and third radio links in response to a particular environmental signal;
30. The device of claim 29, comprising:

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